Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective abundant differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of abundant are ample, copious, and plentiful. While all these words mean "more than sufficient without being excessive," abundant suggests an even greater or richer supply than does plentiful.

streams abundant with fish

When might ample be a better fit than abundant?

The words ample and abundant can be used in similar contexts, but ample implies a generous sufficiency to satisfy a particular requirement.

ample food to last the winter

When could copious be used to replace abundant?

While the synonyms copious and abundant are close in meaning, copious stresses largeness of supply rather than fullness or richness.

copious examples of bureaucratic waste

In what contexts can plentiful take the place of abundant?

In some situations, the words plentiful and abundant are roughly equivalent. However, plentiful implies a great or rich supply.

peaches are plentiful this summer

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of abundant Although rare earths, a group of 17 elements, are in fact more abundant than gold, the relatively high cost and environmental damage associated with their processing and refinement have placed China in a dominant position in their production worldwide. John Liu, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025 Natural plants and herbs contain properties so magical that even the science community is keyed into their abundant effects (though extremely late, compared to our ancient knowledge)! Essence, 21 Oct. 2025 As a general rule, North-facing rooms benefit from warm colors to counteract cool, shadowy light, while South-facing rooms can handle richer colors and true whites under abundant golden light. Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2025 The theory Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. Maria Godoy, NPR, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abundant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abundant
Adjective
  • Potatoes add a plentiful bit of starchy and are super tender after simmering.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Exterior deck areas are plentiful, from the upper aft deck for alfresco dining, to the lower-deck beach club which has a gym instead of the sauna and shower on the typical layout.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Streamline applications with pre-filled forms, especially to support internal mobility where workloads are high or digital access is limited.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Opting for a few smaller gatherings with ample breaks between them can make the experience more doable.
    Big Think, Big Think, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Drown them with an ample amount of water and stir to confirm that everything is cold to the touch.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For ten days in July, fighter jets roared, infantry exchanged fire in crowded streets, and mobile missile launchers twirled their payloads from sandy beachheads as part of its annual Han Kuang exercises.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Still, the incident highlights vulnerabilities in airport security, especially in crowded areas not overseen by TSA officers.
    Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • My mother-in-law is a very generous lady.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Newquist was driven by her Christian faith and generous attitude, Davis said.
    Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Just weeks after Kit arrived, the couple was already juggling family, faith and a packed schedule.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Alcock told a packed audience at the Newport Beach Film Festival.
    Jenelle Riley, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • After Brandon was shockingly eliminated from the season 34 competition on the latest episode of Dancing with the Stars alongside partner Lauren Jauregui, the internet was awash with questions about what the elimination meant for the pro.
    Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The mountains are awash with vibrant autumnal hues, which can be admired by driving the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway, biking the Catskill Scenic Trail, or hiking the many trails with sweeping views of the area.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The 12 songs on Showgirl are replete with direct references to Swift's fiancé as of August, NFL star Travis Kelce.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The Otay Ranch facility is replete with amenities.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Abundant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abundant. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on abundant

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